Cabin
Quaint Cottage backing on to river, close to Shawnigan lake. (Sleeps 5)
Photo gallery for Quaint Cottage backing on to river, close to Shawnigan lake. (Sleeps 5)





Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6600 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Shawnigan lake, BC
- Place, Kinsol Trestle12 min walk
- Place, Victoria Harbour51 min drive
- Place, Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal51 min drive
- Airport, Victoria, BC (YYJ-Victoria Intl.)64 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Main floor
1 Queen Bed
Upstairs Loft
2 Queen Beds
1 bathroom
Main bathroom
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area
About this property
Quaint Cottage backing on to river, close to Shawnigan lake. (Sleeps 5)
Our charming cottage is set amongst other cottages in the forest alongside the Koksilah River. The surroundings are beautiful and serene.
The cottage sleeps five and on the main floor offers a bedroom (queen), bathroom (heated floor, refurbished 80 year old claw foot tub and shower. Kitchen (gas range, full size fridge), dining and living area (wood burning stove). The upstairs loft is open and airy with views of the forest and the river. It is accessed by ladder stairs that may be tricky for younger children. It features 2 queen sized beds and a family area.
At the back of the cottage, through French doors off of the kitchen and dining area there are two decks overlooking the forest and the river. There you will find a Weber barbecue, fire table and outdoor furniture that you can enjoy as you sit back and take in the view, the soothing sounds of the river, and quite simply… nature.
The cottage is a retreat to return to after a day of antiquing, enjoying the water hole at the river, swimming in nearby Shawnigan Lake or touring wineries, local markets… perhaps a lavender farm. The Kinsol Trestle is about a 20 minute walk and if you prefer a longer hike, you can continue on for miles in the woods along well-groomed paths.
Although the cottage is tucked away, it is close to abundant shopping including:
Cobble Hill, approximately 15 minutes away, offers groceries and amazing fresh roasted coffee.
- Cowichan Bay, approximately 20 minutes away, is on the ocean and offers restaurants, bakeries, shops… even ocean kayaking.
Duncan is approximately a 30 minute drive north. On Saturdays in the spring, summer and fall, there is an amazing farmers market.
· Victoria is approximately a 40 minute drive south.
The cottage sleeps five and on the main floor offers a bedroom (queen), bathroom (heated floor, refurbished 80 year old claw foot tub and shower. Kitchen (gas range, full size fridge), dining and living area (wood burning stove). The upstairs loft is open and airy with views of the forest and the river. It is accessed by ladder stairs that may be tricky for younger children. It features 2 queen sized beds and a family area.
At the back of the cottage, through French doors off of the kitchen and dining area there are two decks overlooking the forest and the river. There you will find a Weber barbecue, fire table and outdoor furniture that you can enjoy as you sit back and take in the view, the soothing sounds of the river, and quite simply… nature.
The cottage is a retreat to return to after a day of antiquing, enjoying the water hole at the river, swimming in nearby Shawnigan Lake or touring wineries, local markets… perhaps a lavender farm. The Kinsol Trestle is about a 20 minute walk and if you prefer a longer hike, you can continue on for miles in the woods along well-groomed paths.
Although the cottage is tucked away, it is close to abundant shopping including:
Cobble Hill, approximately 15 minutes away, offers groceries and amazing fresh roasted coffee.
- Cowichan Bay, approximately 20 minutes away, is on the ocean and offers restaurants, bakeries, shops… even ocean kayaking.
Duncan is approximately a 30 minute drive north. On Saturdays in the spring, summer and fall, there is an amazing farmers market.
· Victoria is approximately a 40 minute drive south.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill
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10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (2 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No smoking of any kind allowed on Kinsol Property
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
Property Registration Number H337717050
About the area
Shawnigan Lake
Located in Shawnigan Lake, this cabin is on a river. Merridale Estate Cidery and Damali Lavender & Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre and Cowichan Wooden Boat Society. Quw'utsun' Cultural Centre and Cowichan Aquatic Centre are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and hiking/biking trails nearby.

Shawnigan lake, BC
What's nearby
- Kinsol Trestle - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
- Victoria Harbour - 51 min drive - 56.2 km
- University of Victoria - 51 min drive - 56.1 km
- Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal - 51 min drive - 56.5 km
- Butchart Gardens - 60 min drive - 63.3 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Drumroaster Coffee - 18 min drive
- Tim Hortons - 23 min drive
- Cobblestone Pub - 15 min drive
- The Lakehouse At Shawnigan Lake - 5 min drive
- Shawnigan Jen's Grill & Teriyaki - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
9.8/10
Location
9.8/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
30 Aug, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Lesley F.
29 Sept, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lesley F.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
leevi s.
26 Aug, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
leevi s.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Marilyne G.
5 Jun, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Marilyne G.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Monique C.
1 Sept, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Monique C.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Shawn F.
21 Sept, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Second stay here...
Shawn F.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Carol C.
17 Aug, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Carol C.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Darrell G.
16 May, 2018
Excellent location cozy atmosphere and close to great locations of interest
Darrell G.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2018
10/10 Excellent
Helen P.
11 Sept, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful cottage.
Helen P.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2020
10/10 Excellent
KristaAaron B.
29 May, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy cottage
KristaAaron B.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Lindsay E.
4 Sept, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely and peaceful
Lindsay E.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021
10/10 Excellent
Clinton H.
22 May, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Island visit
Clinton H.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Vicki G.
12 Oct, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful stay
Vicki G.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022
10/10 Excellent
nancy h.
2 Jun, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Little river cabin
nancy h.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Tracy G.
22 Jul, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect spot for a quiet getaway
Tracy G.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Susanne S.
13 May, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect getaway in the forest
Susanne S.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Paul A.
20 Jun, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very Nice Stay
Paul A.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2020
10/10 Excellent
Lauren J.
1 Jan, 2018
Beautiful and cozy cabin with character! Perfect for a peaceful getaway during any season.
Lauren J.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2017
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
27 Jun, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful cabin
Verified traveller
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Sarah S.
31 Jul, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved our stay here!
Sarah S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020
10/10 Excellent
Debbie S.
15 Sept, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely place
Debbie S.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2019
8/10 Good
Stephen L.
28 Aug, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
GREAT PROPERTY
Stephen L.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020
10/10 Excellent
Ian W.
31 Jul, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Kinsol Cabin
Ian W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Sarah S.
23 Jul, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Second time staying here, it was great
Sarah S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Michelle D.
22 Jul, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing getaway
Michelle D.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
About the host
Hosted by Doug & Michelle Murphy
This beautiful river cottage is owned by Doug and Michelle, it is a peaceful place to be.
Why they chose this property
Unique property backing on to the forest and river, yet 45 minutes from Victoria.
What makes this property unique
We are backing on to the river and you are at one with nature on the decks.
Languages:
English
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